BattlefieldsYorkist Skirmish at Worksop — Clifford Killed (1461 AD)
Medieval

Yorkist Skirmish at Worksop — Clifford Killed (1461 AD)

1461
West Riding, England
Also known as: Death of Lord Clifford · Dintingdale skirmish
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
West Riding, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Lancastrians (Lord Clifford)
Forces
c. 600–1,200 Lancastrians (skirmish, Clifford killed)
VS
Victor
Yorkists (Edward IV)
Forces
c. 1,000–2,000 Yorkists
Outcome
Lord Clifford killed; Lancastrian vanguard broken; way opened for Towton
The Battle

History & Significance

Lord Clifford, 'the Butcher' responsible for killing the Earl of Rutland, was killed in a skirmish near Dintingdale (between Ferrybridge and Towton) when he removed his gorget on the march. His death removed one of the most ferocious Lancastrian commanders the day before Towton. Without Clifford's leadership, the Lancastrian vanguard was less effective in the great battle that followed.

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